Acting AG Blanche on the Superseding Indictment of Raul Castro and Five Castro Regime Co-Defendants

Why It Matters

The indictment could heighten U.S.-Cuba tensions, set a precedent for prosecuting former foreign leaders for alleged wartime actions, and signals Washington’s willingness to use criminal law to pursue accountability for cross-border attacks on U.S. citizens.

Summary

Acting Attorney General Blanche announced a superseding federal indictment unsealed today charging former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five co-defendants in connection with the 1996 shooting down of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft that killed four unarmed American civilians. A Miami grand jury returned the indictment on April 23, 2026, adding counts including murder and destruction of aircraft after nearly 30 years of investigation. The indictment alleges Castro and others conspired with Cuban military forces to fire missiles at the civilian planes during a humanitarian flight over international waters. The filing underscores the U.S. pursuit of accountability for long-unsolved killings of Americans abroad.

Original Description

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on the superseding indictment of Raul Castro and five Castro regime co-defendants: "For nearly 30 years the families of four murdered Americans have waited for justice…My message today is clear: The United States and President Trump does not and will not forget its citizens."